A family-run Croydon hardware store which has been run by three generations is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

Coulsdon Home Hardware (originally Coulsdon Hardware Stores) was opened in 1954 by Geoff Harris and seven decades later, the store is still standing - run by Geoff’s grandson Simon Harris.

(Image: Simon Harris)

The hardware store is now set to celebrate 70 years on Chipstead Valley Road on September 21.

43-year-old Simon told Your Local Guardian: “When my grandpa took on the store in 1954, it started as quite simple, with sharpening tools and basic inventory.

(Image: Simon Harris)

“And then he slowly expanded it to the point where there were three shops altogether, side by side.”

Simon’s now-retired father, Alan, left school in 1965 when he was just 14 years old to help his father and eventually took over the store when Geoff retired.

Simon added: “My Grandma and Grandad both worked in the store until they retired and they handed over the reins to my parents in 1977.

“My mum returned to work full time in the shop in 2008 until they retired in 2017.

"Before this, she juggled working at the shop, alongside raising three boys.”

In 2017, Geoff Harris passed away at the age of 96, and Simon and his wife Sarah bought the hardware shop from Alan.

(Image: Simon Harris)Simon was already running a building firm called Signature Homes Ltd and brought the two stores together.

He said: “The shop now does kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, as well as the normal hardware, such as paints and homeware.”

Despite being the third generation of the Harris family to take over Coulsdon Home Hardware, Simon said he was never brought up to believe he would be taking over the store and that it “wasn’t in the plan.”

After graduating with a music degree from university, Simon trained as an electrician and plumber, which led to the creation of Signature Homes.

He added: “When my dad was thinking about retirement, we decided to buy the shop off him so that Sarah and I could run both together since both businesses complement each other with the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.”

A fourth generation is involved with the hardware store, with Simon and Sarah’s 14 year old daughter helping out with events and the occasional weekend. 

Simon said he’s sure they’ll be able to rope all three of the children in to be Saturday boys & girls when they are old enough but added that “there’s no expectation or pressure for them to do or be part of it” and that they “can be whatever they want to be”.

To celebrate 70 years, the couple has planned a superb raffle with prizes coming from the help of the amazing local businesses in Coulsdon, plus in-store offers and a free fun day.
Simon said: “The generosity of the local businesses has blown us away and they have been donating lots of amazing prizes. 

"The total of the prizes is now well over £3,000".

“The prizes range from vouchers to meals for two, hampers to iPads to £700 showers.

“All the money raised throughout the raffle is going to the charity Aslan HIS to help disadvantaged kids in South Africa.”

The raffle will crown more than 50 winners.

As well as the raffles, Simon and Sarah are hosting a fun day, where there will be free face painting, scavenger hunts, candy floss, tea, and cakes from 10am to 4am at the store.

Simon said the most unique thing about the store is the service they provide.

The showroom itself was changed after Simon took over.

He said: “We completely ripped out and redone the showroom from top to bottom.

“So, it’s all refitted and modernised.

“It still has some of its old traditional post-World War Two values, but it’s also been brought into the 21st century.”

The 70th anniversary will also serve as a family reunion for the Harris family. Alan Harris, now 73, along with Lynn, their children and grandchildren, former Saturday staff, and many other family members will gather in Coulsdon.

Geoff Harris' daughter, who contributed to the store, will also attend with her children.

Privately, Simon and Sarah will be celebrating in a much more relaxed manner, with Simon saying: “After the event, we’ll probably end up just at home with a takeaway and recover.”